Tuggerah early learning centre wins national award

Goodstart Early Learning Tuggerah is one of three winners in the 2024 HESTA Early Childhood Education & Care Awards.

The centre was recognised for its innovative Interability program, significantly advancing early childhood education and care. 

This inclusive initiative fosters meaningful interactions between neurodiverse individuals and children, promoting inclusivity, social skills, and empathy. 

The program, developed in collaboration with local disability service AMPEY, integrates neurodiverse individuals into educational experiences, creating a safe and inclusive space for mutual growth and learning.

Grounded in contemporary research and the Early Years Learning Framework, the program enhances social skills and cognitive flexibility. 

Overall, the program was found to have positively impacted children, families, educators, neurodivergent participants, and the wider community, fostering a culture of inclusion and support.

After participating families better understood how to access information and resources about neurodiversity, with more than 25 percent accessing support services like Lifestart for their children.

More than 200 nominations were submitted from across Australia to this year’s HESTA Early Childhood Education & Care Awards with nine finalists making the shortlist.  

The HESTA awards have been running since 2010 to recognise the educators and carers at the very heart of Australia’s early childhood education system.  

“Congratulations to all winners and finalists,” HESTA CEO Debby Blakey said.

“Early childhood educators play such a pivotal role in helping shape the futures of young Australians, and it’s an honour to recognise their outstanding contributions through these awards.

“The dedication and passion these educators and carers demonstrate to educate, care for and develop our future generation is truly inspiring.” 

The winners shared in $30,000 prize money to be used for further education, service improvement, or team development, courtesy of longstanding HESTA Awards supporter ME, a subsidiary of Bank of Queensland.